Nope, not the same. Which is why I was happy to see this.
McKellen was indeed a perfect Gandalf, in spite of his personal evils.
I’d be just as happy if they lost Andy Serkis, though, but doubt that will happen. I don’t think he quite “got” Gollum; I know he didn’t get what “gollum” was (i.e. swallowing, not coughing).
When I first saw "The Fellowship of the Ring," I couldn't believe it. "How the heck did they get Gandalf the Gray to play himself?!?!" I'm being series here... While other actors might be able to play the role, NOBODY else IS Gandalf.
Mark